Car News, Specs and Reviews

Cadillac Eldorado (1976)

By 1976, Cadillacs had become so swollen that they plowed through corners, averaged 13 mpg (4.6 km/l), and were as quick off the line as an M24 tank. Despite a massive 500cid V8, output of the ’76 Eldo was a lowly 190 brake horsepower, with a top speed of just 109 mph (175 km/h).

Something had to change, and Cadillac’s response had been the ’75 Seville. But the ’76 Eldo marked the end of an era for another reason—it was the last American convertible. Cadillac was the final automobile manufacturer to delete the ragtop from their model lineup and, when they made the announcement that the convertible was to be phased out at the end of ’76, the market fought to buy up the last 200.

People even tried to cut in line by claiming they were distantly related to Cadillac’s founder. One 72-year-old man in Nebraska bought six. A grand American institution had quietly passed away.

TRADITIONAL SETUP

Big and slab-sided, the ’76 Eldo used a front-wheel drive arrangement that had first been used on the ’67 Eldorado and is still used today. The ’76 Convertible had big vital statistics, measuring 225 in (5.7 m) long, 80 in (2 m) wide, and costing $10,354.

FINAL DEMAND

Such was the demand for these last convertibles that some changed hands for as much as $20,000, nearly double the list price.

AUTO LIGHTS

Twilight Sentinel option operated the headlights according to outside conditions.

ECONOMY CLASS

Raised compression ratios and a recalibrated carburetor gave the Eldo better fuel economy than might be expected from such a mammoth block. Hydro-Boost power brakes were needed to stop the 5,153 lb (2,337 kg) colossus.

INTERIOR

Technically advanced options were always Cadillac’s forte. The Eldo was available with an airbag, Dual Comfort front seats with fold-down armrests, and a six-way power seat.

SPACE

Even with the top up, the Eldo was gargantuan inside.

WOOD

Interior wood was called “distressed pecan grain.”

CADILLAC NAME

The Cadillac shield harkens back to 1650 and the original French Cadillac family. French model names were used in 1966 with the Calais and DeVille lines.

COLOR CHOICE

Eldos could be ordered in 21 body colors.

REFLECTORS

Slightly superfluous in that not many drivers would miss this giant on the road.

ENGINE

Already strangled by emission pipery, the need to maximize every gallon meant that the big 500bhp V8 was embarrassingly lethargic when it came to speed. Even lower ratio rear axles were used to boost mileage.